Friday, May 28, 2010

Review: JPT Scare Band "Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden"


Banded together during the tumultuous years of the early 70’s, JPT Scare Band fused a sound equally heavy in hard rocking blues as it was tripped out in psychedelia, creating a sound so imposing that it perfectly reflected the emotions of the era. Formed by guitarist / vocalist Terry Swope, drummer Jeff Littrell, and bassist Paul Grigsby, JPT Scare Band began recording songs in their Kansas City basement, and soon compiled a vault full of reel to reel tape that would make up much of the band’s catalog. Classic Rock Magazine declared JPT Scare Band as “one of the lost pioneers of Proto-Metal”.

Nearly an hour long, "Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden" is made up of seven tracks (nine for the vinyl edition) that span the (in)glorious history of the band and will make listeners rethink how they feel about the blues. Each track sizzles with nostalgia, with fuzzy guitars, gritty vocals, and extended jam sessions that instantly transport you to what feels like a Hendrix concert. Everything grooves in its own right, but I'd like to call the most melodic cuts to your attention: "Long Day", "Not My Fault", and "I've Been Waiting" are must-hear tracks. In addition, the title track will undoubtedly dazzle fans of classic blues rock. Terry Swope has got to be one of the world's most underrated guitarists!

If you miss the glory days of Cream, Deep Purple, and Jimi Hendrix, you have to check out these uncovered gems from JPT Scare Band. The record is available in CD deluxe digipak format, digital download, and multi-colored double 12" vinyl with bonus tracks courtesy of Ripple Music.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5

JPT Scare Band on MySpace. Get it.

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